Top 5 Best Osteoporosis Dedications

Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become fragile and brittle due to loss of tissue. It occurs when the body loses too much bone or makes too little. Bones become weak and fragile. It is caused by hormone changes, calcium deficiencies and lack of vitamin D. There are many osteoporosis medications available, but you must research before deciding which works best for you and consult your doctor. Osteoporosis medicines and alternatives to osteoporosis medicines have side effects, but many work well to treat osteoporosis.

What Happens When You Have Osteoporosis

The body goes through a process called remodeling in which the bones continuously break down and build up. When women reach menopause, the balance is thrown off once estrogen levels begin to decrease. Osteoporosis increases the risk of broken bones and bone fractures. What may seem like a minor fall can cause fractures, as the bones are much weaker than they once were. Something as minor as sneezing can cause a break or a fracture if the case is serious enough. Bone breaks tend to occur in the hip, spine, and/or wrist. There is also an increase in the loss of bone density and the inability to rebuild it.

Osteoporosis causes limits in mobility, permanent pain due to fractured or broken bones and loss of height in some patients. There are many osteoporosis medications that can help rebuild bones, as well as one that increases bone density. There are also alternatives to osteoporosis medicines that have fewer side effects.

Treatment Alternatives for Osteoporosis

There are many alternatives to standard osteoporosis medications. Although many of them aren’t scientifically proven to work, many people do have success with them. Alternative medications are more natural, such as different herbs and supplements, and are believed to reduce the risk of bone loss. Osteoporosis medications alternatives include:

Soy

Soy is a suggested alternative to standard osteoporosis treatment because the soybeans used contain isoflavone, an estrogen-like compound. It is speculated that isoflavone can help halt bone loss and give added protection to bones. However, it is not recommended to anyone with a risk of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. You should check with a physician before trying this method.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is an herb that contains phytoestrogen, estrogen-like substances, and is believed to possibly prevent bone loss. Studies show that it has created bone formation in mice, and there are current studies to determine if it can do so in humans. Thus, becoming alternative osteoporosis medications that are more natural. It is still necessary to consult a doctor first.

Horsetail

Horsetail is another plant-based alternative to osteoporosis medication. It can be consumed in tea or used in herbal compresses. It isn’t safe to take with alcohol, nicotine, or diuretics. It may help with bone loss, and it is believed to stimulate bone regeneration.

Melatonin

Melatonin, typically used as an alternative to sleep aids and inflammatory medicine, is a hormone made in the body’s pineal gland. Researchers believe it can promote bone cell growth and is a healthier approach to osteoporosis medications. However, melatonin can make you drowsy and have negative reactions to antidepressants and blood pressure medications. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before using this as an alternative to prescribed osteoporosis medications.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves puncturing the body with thin needles in specific areas on the body. It is believed to promote healing in organs and body functions, and it is sometimes combined with herbal therapies. Unlike most osteoporosis medication alternatives, there are no studies on whether this alternative works. It doesn’t involve medication.

Red Clover

Red clover is an estrogen-like compound and is believed to be a great alternative to standard osteoporosis medication because natural estrogen helps protect bones. It is believed that red clover helps slow down bone loss despite the lack of scientific evidence. It also can interfere with other medications.

Diet Change

Osteoporosis medication can decrease calcium levels, which also is a cause of osteoporosis. A lifestyle change, such as diet, is highly recommended. It isn’t necessarily an alternative to osteoporosis medication, but more of an addition. Eating foods and taking vitamins/supplements that’ll level calcium and vitamin D can be a great help.

Alternatives to osteoporosis medications may appear safer, especially when they seem more natural, but it is recommended that you consult a doctor first. Many alternatives have no scientific studies to show if they are, in fact, helping your body with osteoporosis. Natural remedies can help with the pain that can come from bone fractures or breaks, but they shouldn’t be the only option you choose. Be sure to learn all you can about alternatives and typical osteoporosis medications.

Top 5 Best Osteoporosis Medications

There are many osteoporosis medications available and they can be prescribed by your physician. The medications are taken as pills, injections, and as a nasal spray. Your doctor can assist you with which treatment is best for you. The best osteoporosis medications are:

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are osteoporosis medications that help slow bone loss. This process occurs by turning off osteoclasts cells, which break down bones and then allowing osteoblast cells to create bone. This osteoporosis medication is taken weekly or daily in a tablet form. There is also a form, Boniva, that is only taken monthly. Reclast is taken intravenously annually. These osteoporosis medications are used to treat osteoporosis and to prevent them as well. A major side effect is irritation of the lining of your esophagus and stomach. After taking the medications, you will need to stand an hour after taking them. Another side effect, although rare, is osteonecrosis of the jaw. It causes jaw pain, loose teeth, and slow healing after dental surgery. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends taking the drug for only three to five years.

Raloxifene (Evista)

Raloxifene is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) and will give you estrogen therapy benefits. Estrogen therapy can help prevent osteoporosis by reducing bone loss and also lowers the risk of spine fractures. However, it doesn’t reduce the risk of bone breaks. It also can cause leg cramps, joint pain, hot flashes, blood clots, and/or stroke. These osteoporosis medications aren’t recommended for people who have had blood clots in the past.

Prolia (Denosumab)

Prolia is a form of osteoporosis medication that is taken via injections twice a year, and it turns off the stimulus of osteoclasts. This process helps prevent broken bones and decreases bone loss. It is one of the most effective osteoporosis medicines. For example, studies show that it lowered the risk of hip fractures by up to 40%. However, like most medications, this osteoporosis medication has negative side effects. Prolia can cause a reduction in calcium levels. It is recommended that you keep up with blood tests to check calcium level, and you shouldn’t take this medication if you suffer from hypocalcemia. Prolia also can increase the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Forteo (Teriparatide)

Teriparatide is an injectable hormone treatment of osteoporosis. It is the only form of osteoporosis medication that targets the cells that increase bone density. Studies show that it is more effective than bisphosphonates because it improves bone density in the spine. However, high doses pose a risk for bone cancer, and teriparatide can only be taken for two years.

Fortical (Calcitonin)

Calcitonin is another form of osteoporosis medication that is taken via injection but can also be taken as a nasal spray. It is usually prescribed to women who are post-menopausal, typically five years past. These osteoporosis medications slow down bone loss, decrease the risk of spinal fractures, and helps build up spinal bone density. Side effects include a risk of bone cancer, and it doesn’t prevent the risk of broken bones. The nasal spray can cause nosebleeds, runny noses, and other nasal issues.

As with most medications, osteoporosis medications do cause many side effects, but there is more research and scientific evidence to show how effective the medicine can be. Many don’t work with other medications, and other health conditions can prevent you from taking osteoporosis medications. Consult your doctor to decide which medication works best with your lifestyle and any other health issues you may have.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a very common medical condition. However, it can make you feel isolated as it causes mobility issues, and the easiest of tasks can seem daunting with the risk of fractures. These osteoporosis medications and alternatives can help increase your bone density. The options are readily available, you just need to know where to look. It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor about the different varieties of osteoporosis medications. What may work for one patient may not work for you. This goes for the alternatives of typical osteoporosis medication, as well, as they also have side effects that can affect your health in different ways. There are many varieties of medications available, and they can help make osteoporosis manageable for you.